Longfellow Plaza

Pros

• The staff are caring and wonderful employees.
• The apartments are updated and new.
• There are always activities for residents.
• Longfellow Plaza provides a large, nice community room for residents to use.
• The management is very nice and the apartments are well maintained.
• The Service Coordinator goes above and beyond to ensure residents receive the care they need.
• The building is well kept and clean.
• The place is amazing for the elderly.

Cons

• Some reviewers describe Longfellow Plaza as a place where elders are warehoused.
• The owners are accused of misrepresenting themselves as run by a beautiful nonprofit foundation.
• Some feel the facility resembles a small prison and lacks privacy.
• The front office staff are not very friendly.
• There are complaints about smoking, with many residents smoking in apartments and cigarette odors lingering.
• Some reviews say residents and staff invade others' privacy and pry into their lives.
• Not much is said to be going on for residents, especially for those without a car.

Review

Longfellow Plaza comes across in these notes as a community built around accessibility, care, and a sense of home for older adults and people with disabilities. Several reviewers underscore that the staff genuinely goes to great lengths to make residents feel welcome and good about themselves. The apartments themselves are described as updated and in good condition, with many residents highlighting well-maintained interiors and a large, inviting community room that everyone can use. The overall impression is one of a place designed to support independence while offering convenient on-site services, making it a strong option for income-based housing that prioritizes dignity and comfort.

A recurring thread among the more positive voices is the quality and dedication of the staff. Reviewers frequently note that management and maintenance teams are reliable and responsive, with particular praise for a service coordinator who seems to go beyond the call of duty to ensure residents receive necessary care. People mention the presence of ongoing activities and a social atmosphere that helps residents stay connected - church services in the building on Wednesdays, bingo starting up, and a general sense of community fostered by attentive staff. For many, these elements create a living environment that feels supportive rather than merely functional, especially for those living without a car who appreciate proximity to public transit, a nearby river trail, and neighborhood amenities like a Dollar Tree, a small grocery, and local restaurants.

Residents repeatedly remark on the convenience of the location itself. Being near downtown and near a bus station is highlighted as a significant perk for those who rely on public transit. The property's accessibility features and updated units are also frequently praised, aligning with the needs of seniors and people with disabilities. Some residents describe the surrounding area as offering pleasant scenery and simple conveniences that help make daily life easier, such as easy access to services, quiet spots for reflection, and nearby opportunities to attend church or socialize with neighbors.

Nevertheless, not every review shares a uniformly glowing assessment. A minority voices serious concerns about the overall purpose and management of the site. One critic questions whether Longfellow Plaza operates as a genuine nonprofit under the RF Foundation, accusing the owners of "warehousing" elders and suggesting that the nonprofit claim is not borne out in practice. That perspective portrays the site as more about institutional care than about empowering residents, a stark contrast to the more favorable, staff-centered narratives. In a related vein, some readers describe a sense of privacy being compromised or a social climate where people feel watched or judged, likening the atmosphere at times to a "small prison."

Other negative notes touch on specific interactions and day-to-day experiences. A few reviewers point to the front office as unfriendly or less responsive than would be ideal, while others express frustration with ongoing issues around smoking - one reviewer mentions a noticeable odor from cigarettes and notes that some residents smoke in or near the buildings. A broader theme in these critiques is a tension between a comfortable, welcoming core and occasional friction in social dynamics, boundaries, and expectations about personal space within a shared living environment.

Overall, Longfellow Plaza emerges as a complex mix of strengths and challenges. For many residents or family members, it represents a supportive, well-maintained place that feels like home, where staff kindness and communal activities can significantly brighten daily life. The combination of updated apartments, income-based accessibility, on-site services, and proximity to downtown amenities makes it an appealing option for those seeking an elder-friendly community. At the same time, some concerns - about privacy, transparency of operation, and the social climate within the building - serve as important reminders to potential residents to visit, ask questions, and assess how the culture and policies align with their own expectations and needs.

If you're considering Longfellow Plaza for a loved one, the hopeful takeaway is that there is genuine care and a range of conveniences that many residents find valuable. The positive experiences with management, the availability of community activities, and the comfortable living spaces are compelling reasons to explore further. Yet it's also wise to weigh the expressed concerns about privacy, administrative friendliness, and the social atmosphere, especially if a prospective resident prioritizes an open, highly private environment. A personal visit can help determine whether the mix of warmth, structure, and services aligns with what you and your family are looking for in senior or disability-friendly housing.

Located in Anderson, Indiana, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. With several restaurants and cafes within walking distance, residents can enjoy a range of dining options. For healthcare needs, there are multiple physicians' offices and hospitals nearby, providing convenient access to medical services. Additionally, pharmacies are easily accessible for medication needs. The area also offers several parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Public transportation is available with the Anderson Train station nearby. Places of worship such as Grace Baptist Church and Madison Park Church of God provide spiritual support for residents. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of conveniences and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Anderson.

Restaurants

• Train Stop Deli (0.2 miles)
• Creatures of Habit Brewing Co. (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Burro Loco (0.4 miles)
• Frisch's Anderson Big Boy (1 miles)
• Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken (1.1 miles)
• Genes Root Beer (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Madison County Community Health Center (0.4 miles)
• Women's Health Specialists (0.6 miles)
• Christopher Melin Md (0.6 miles)
• Anderson Center For Sight (0.6 miles)
• Central Indiana Otolaryngology (0.6 miles)
• David L Martin (0.6 miles)
• St Johns Medical Arts (0.7 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Regional Balance Center (0.6 miles)
• Saint John's Cancer Center (0.6 miles)
• St Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital (0.6 miles)
• St Johns Hospital (0.7 miles)
• Anderson Center Saint John's Health System (0.7 miles)
• Med Check Urgent Care Center (1.8 miles)
• Tahir, Nighat Dr-Community Rheumatology/Anderson (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Jackrabbit Coffee (0.6 miles)
• Bobber's Cafe (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Genoa Healthcare Center For Mental Health (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)

Parks

• Fairview Park (1.2 miles)
• Shadyside Activity Center (1.3 miles)
• Shadyside Park (1.5 miles)
• Shadyside Trails (1.7 miles)
• Pulaski Park (2.1 miles)
• Mounds State Park (3 miles)

Transportation

• Anderson Train (2 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Grace Baptist Church (3.2 miles)
• Madison Park Church of God (3.9 miles)
• Florida Station Church Of God (4 miles)
• Middletown United Methodist Church (8.1 miles)